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2 estimates for new ac- don't understand either

I have recently moved and now have a house with a 15 yr. old heat pump air conditioner. I have never lived where you needed an air conditioner so I don't know what either estimate means. My house is 1100 sq. ft. in No. Carolina (eastern).
one says: Carrier 2 ton 13 seer heat pump condenser with 410 refrigerant (25hba 324A003, I'm going to call Monday to find out what the name of this item is because I looked up under Carrier and it didn't show numbers).
carrier 2 ton air handler, 5kw strip heater, digital unit with out door sensor

I now have a 2 ton and every yr. must get additional freon. No name on it except Goodman Mfg. The 2 ton works fine and I don't know why I should go to a 2 1/2 ton.
I also have a pipe out side that drips water when the air is on. I have a bucket under it that I catch the water with because it drips at my house foundation. I have been told not to use the water on plants as it is too acidic, is this true? Thanks in advance for your answer.

The estimates sound a little vague. But I think what you are saying, it is for an air handler w electric heat and evaporator coil, and a 2-2 1/2 ton heat pump, which the difference of 1/2 ton is pretty minimal. If you are going to R410a be sure they plan to either: (1) replace line-set or (2) Flush original line set with R11 and nitrogen, Either will be sufficient. R410a has been around longer than you think and it is a good refrigerant.

2 estimates

I gave all the info they gave me and you're correct they are vague.
I will ask both about replacing line-set or flushing them (what does that mean). How will I know I need a new system short of it dieing? Thanks for replying.

If you've had refrigerant added, then there is most likely a leak. The leak could be small, could be big. Could be repairable, could be replacable.

Its all about condition of the system otherwise. And how much you have invested into it thus far.

You need to get more estimates. There are SEVERAL members of this site from NC. If you tell us where you are, we may be able to point you towards a good contractor that will take care of you. It will give you a head start so that you don't need to spend a month finding a good contactor.

Let us know.

I fully support the military and the War on Terrorism.

If you don't know, then don't do. If you don't know and still do, then be prepared to pay someone else a lot to undo what you did and then do it right.

If you do know, then do. But do it right. Otherwise, you may not be doing it long.

Builder grade

That's what I fiquared, fits the neighborhood and because I don't want to upgrade anything more (did roof & floors) and the economy won't support resale value of house now. Love it here, but need a job.
- Jacksonville, I'm in New Bern
I was in a 7/11 in Calif. not long ago waiting to pay for soda and a Marine in uniform offered to let me go ahead of him. I refused and told him he should ALWAYS go first.
Ryan Hughes- tks. for carrier info.

That's what I fiquared, fits the neighborhood and because I don't want to upgrade anything more (did roof & floors) and the economy won't support resale value of house now. Love it here, but need a job.
- Jacksonville, I'm in New Bern
I was in a 7/11 in Calif. not long ago waiting to pay for soda and a Marine in uniform offered to let me go ahead of him. I refused and told him he should ALWAYS go first.
Ryan Hughes- tks. for carrier info.

My email address is in my profile. Shoot me an email. I know of several contractors in this area that can help you out.

I also know which ones you want to avoid.

Shoot me an email......talk to you later

I fully support the military and the War on Terrorism.

If you don't know, then don't do. If you don't know and still do, then be prepared to pay someone else a lot to undo what you did and then do it right.

If you do know, then do. But do it right. Otherwise, you may not be doing it long.